Commentaries | FULCRUM

Southeast Asia Countries Won’t Let War in Ukraine Affect Ties with Russia

President Donald Trump wants to force an end to the Russia-Ukraine war and improve relations with Russia. Many Southeast Asian countries will welcome an end to hostilities, an easing of US-Russia tensions and stronger relations with Moscow.

Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone: Transformative or Tempting?

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone has a compelling argument. But it may not be as transformative as it is touted to be.

Mending Fences: Vietnam and Cambodia’s Diplomatic Reset

The Ho Chi Minh City Summit signals a pragmatic reset in Vietnam-Cambodia relations, driven by economic interests rather than ideology. Successful cooperation would bring the added advantage of enhancing their collective bargaining power with external actors and strategic flexibility as the great power competition intensifies.

Selling Dreams Versus Same as Before: A Tale of Two Provinces

In contesting the recent provincial administrative office elections, the People’s Party did not learn from the lessons of the past.

Rodrigo Duterte’s Trial Before the International Criminal Court: Unprecedented

The International Criminal Court’s warrant of arrest against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is a significant step to hold him accountable for alleged crimes committed during his anti-drug drive.

Trump’s Reciprocal Tariff Policy: Implications for Southeast Asia

The implications of the Trump administration’s reciprocal tariff policy on Southeast Asia are still unclear, as certain questions need to be answered.

COMAC’s C919 in Southeast Asia: Needs More than Price to Take Flight

China’s COMAC is touting its C919 aircraft as a cost-effective alternative to the Airbus-Boeing duopoly. Success, however, depends on overcoming significant challenges such as certification and establishing reliable maintenance networks.

Why Thai and Indonesian Youth Oppose Increasing Military Influence in Society

Compared to young people in other Southeast Asian countries, Thai and Indonesian undergraduates are the most wary of potential military influence over their countries’ politics and their own lives.

A Return to Political Chaos? The Philippines’ Impeachment Saga

Vice-President Sara Duterte’s upcoming impeachment trial will have a major impact on whether political stability in the Philippines is upended or maintained.